A 5 percent tuition increases for students at Florida’s public college and universities is closer to reality. Both the House and Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of the measure. As Chris Casquejo tells, despite his veto earlier this year, Governor Charlie Crist’s opposition is softening.

Beginning in January, students at Florida’s public colleges and universities will likely dig deeper into their wallets. On average, they’ll pay 55 dollars more next semester.

“Universities and community colleges were talking about freezing enrollment,” said Sen. Evelyn Lynn. “They were talking about increasing class size. All the things we don’t want for a top quality system in the state of Florida.”

While many students oppose the tuition hike, others realize that it could actually help increase the quality of their education.

At Florida State, students say the number of faculty has not kept pace with enrollment increases.

“There are classes I’m required to take,” said Florida State sophomore Briana Toole. “And sometimes I can’t register for them because they’re already full. So if they’re going to increase tuition, I’d like to see more teachers, more academic advisers.

Lawmakers passed the same 5 percent tuition increase earlier this year, but Governor Charlie Crist vetoed it. This time around, his opposition is not as strong, thanks to a recent meeting with university presidents.

“The argument he made to me was that 30 percent of the 5 percent increase, he understood would be dedicated to those who can’t afford to go to college,” Gov. Crist said. “That mitigates it for me.”

While the governor continues to listen, he says his mind is not made up.

Florida’s universities rank near the bottom in tuition rates nationally.